International Students

Ontario welcomes international students because of the diverse perspectives they bring our institutions of higher learning.  Coming to Ontario as an international student is a two-step-process.

1. You must apply to and be accepted by an Ontario college or university. (Find out the range of opportunities our colleges and universities have to offer.)
2. Once accepted, submit your application for a  temporary study permit to the Government of Canada.

General Information about Studying in Ontario

Students who wish to study in Ontario must apply for a permit to the Government of Canada, through the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Permit applications must be filled out and sent to Citizenship and Immigration Canada after students receive their letter of acceptance from an Ontario-based university or college of applied arts and technology.

Temporary Study Permits:

• How to apply
• Application for a temporary study permit – you can also use this link to find out if you need a temporary resident visa in addition to a study permit
• Changing the conditions or renewing your temporary study permit
• Study in Ontario

Our Colleges and Universities section provides you with information on post-secondary education in Ontario.

Working in Ontario as an International Student

Work opportunities for international students before and after graduation

Working Permanently in Ontario after Graduation

International students who will soon be graduating, or who are recent graduates from a publicly funded Canadian college or university and have a permanent full-time job offer from an Ontario employer, may have the opportunity to live and work permanently in Ontario through Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program (Opportunities Ontario). To learn more about Opportunities Ontario, please click here.

Other Information

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)